As a nation we’re keen home renovators. Unafraid to knock down a wall or two, insert a bi-fold door, and we can’t resist a loft conversion. In total, homeowners invested around £55 billion in renovating or improving their homes last year alone. Whilst we can plan with precision down to the last screw, sometimes things don’t always go to plan.
Here are some of the most common things that can go wrong during a home renovation.
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Underestimating Costs
We’ve all seen at least one episode of Grand Design’s where the homeowners blow their budget. No matter how much we budget, chances are you’ll come across a cost you haven’t planned for. This could be anything from a burst water pipe to asbestos, the manufacturers of your bespoke kitchen going broke or a costly contractor.
If you find you’re running out of money to complete your dream home make-over, it might be worth considering a payday loan to help tide you over.
Underestimating Duration
You might be on budget but that could be blown at any moment the second you over-run on a project or you’re left waiting for materials. Depending on the type of renovation you’re doing, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years.
Setting yourself small milestones will help keep you on track. If possible, building in a buffer of time will help should you experience any delays.
Of course, the biggest delays can occur if there’s a hold-up with the contractors you’ve employed. If the current job they’re working on over-runs, that will have a massive impact on your project too – so communication is key throughout the whole process.
Ultimately, the amount of time your renovation will take all depends on the size of the space. The key is set yourself some realistic expectations.
Not Getting Planning Permission
Getting planning permission to start a project can take time, but it’s important to know what you do and don’t need permission for to avoid having to apply for retrospective planning – or even worse, halting the project all together and potentially restoring it back to how it was.
Because planning permission is complex, it’s worth speaking to professionals before starting any works to make sure you know what you need to do.
Contractors
Arguably the hardest part of any renovation project is dealing with contractors. But it’s important to remember that it’s your project and you’re paying them to do the work – and it should be completed to your satisfaction, not theirs.
Ask your contractor do draw up a schedule of works before starting. Communication is key to ensure you stay on top of your contractors and understand what needs to be done and when.
